More Tachi Fights Injuries, UFC Vet Steps In

The curse is upon the Tachi Palace Fights 11. Just days after two fighters bowed out of marquee bouts due to injury, another has joined them.

Poppies Martinez, a staple of the fights in Lemoore, Calif., dating back to the early days of the WEC, became the fifth fighter to drop off of the TPF 11 fight card due to injury, Tachi official Jeremy Luchau told MMAWeekly.com on Monday.

Emerson (11-10) last fought in January, when he lost to rising talent Justin Salas, while Young (9-8) hasn’t fought in more than three years. He last competed at the first of two Affliction branded events, losing to UFC featherweight contender Mark Hominick.

The TPF 11 card lost Will Campuzano and Thomas Denny last week, leaving Tachi flyweight champion Ian McCall and lightweight Fabricio Camoes without opposition. Luchau told MMAWeekly.com that a search for replacements to face McCall and Camoes is still ongoing for the Dec. 2 event in Lemoore.